Roy’s Sunday Letter

A calendar turned my page to 80 on Friday. Grateful for Beth’s grace, memories, the giving of herself with others by her caring, art, and meditations. Alongside photos of younger days, I am curious about my tomorrows. I know I/we are not through. Our determined efforts today are focused on…

** In his 500-page print book “UNDO IT,” Dean Ornish, MD, summarizes his Lifestyle Medicine Plan this way: 1) A whole foods, plant-based diet 2) Moderate exercise including flexibility, walking, & strengthening 3) Stress management including meditation, Tai Chi, pauses, and 4) Social connections and support, and healthy relationships. Ornish…

Last week the most responses and comments resulted from the concept of Pocket Forests. I learned that many of us do have Pockets of joy…maybe in the garden, a nature walks and lunches with family and friends. Maybe the next time I reach into my pocket for my keys, I…

** White bison calves are rare, 1 in 10 million. Two white bison calves were recently birthed, one in Kansas and one in Texas. Lakota and other native tribes see the white bison as a sign of better times to come, of hope for improved relationships with Mother Earth for…

** The Jerusalem Youth Chorus was formed in 2012, with youth from East and West Jerusalem. Youth of Jewish, Muslem and Christain, representing both Palestine and Israel all together in one choir. The mission and purpose of the chorus is to promote dialogue and mutual understanding through music. An additional…

** Monday was Earth Day; HBO gave us the documentary “Trees and Other Entanglements” (1hr. 22 minutes). This film shows our sad, poor treatment of trees as a product, and today’s partnership respecting and valuing trees. Trees play an essential role in cooling and protecting our climate. The HBO documentary…

**A SL reader recommended the Homeless Soccer World Cup, and the Cup inspired Netflix film “The Beautiful Game,” with British actor Bill Nighy is England’s team coach. The Homeless World Cup was first held in Graz, Austria in 2003. The 2024 Cup will be in Seoul, South Korea with 68…

** Millions in the US, and around the world, viewed Monday’s Eclipse either through approved eye wear, television or other safe ways. The anticipation of the sun’s eclipse grew from cities gatherings from to the south the to north. Children, families, and seniors rose, shouted, were silent and as the…

** This week my thoughts were on those around me who seem to primarily see events and interactions with others as a transaction. I also know people who primarily see events and interactions as relational. The results can be positive by accepting the strengths of both or perhaps, help us…

** Today is Easter Sunday, as one writer said, “Three Days That Changed the World.” This week has been tragic: A school bus was hit by a concrete mixer causing a rollover with death and multiple injuries; Russians who came for an evening of music murdered; a cargo ship destroying…